Free Tax Assistance

One of services of the RSVP Community Outreach program is free tax preparation. Volunteers serve by preparing and electronically filing federal and state (Arkansas and Oklahoma) tax returns for the elderly, disabled, unemployed, active duty military and families with incomes under $54,000.

WestArk RSVP has a core group of volunteers who have been involved with tax preparation for many years. Each year additional tax volunteers are recruited enabling WestArk RSVP to assist more taxpayers. All volunteers receive annual training and are tested and certified by the IRS. Volunteer tax preparers include retired accountants, teachers, engineers, business people and retired members of the military.

Partnering with the Internal Revenue Service, WestArk RSVP operates TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) programs in Fort Smith and Rogers, Arkansas from January through September. Updated days and hours of operation may be found in Facebook on the RSVP Community Outreach page.

If you want to prepare your own income tax return and your income is less than $66,000 you can use www.MyFreeTaxes.com to complete your federal and state income tax returns for free. If you run into a problem while using MyFreeTaxes.com call 1-855-698-9435 for assistance.

Please bring the following with you to our tax sites:

Social Security cards for you, your spouse, and any dependents OR an I-TIN letter.

Proof of identification for yourself and your spouse if filing jointly (driver’s license or military ID).

W-2 and/or 1099’s from each employer.

For direct deposit of refund bring a check or account # and routing #.

SSA-1099 form if received Social Security benefits.

Unemployment compensation W-2G form (if any).

All 1099 forms and information for other income (if any).

A copy of last year’s tax return (if available).

If itemizing—information (receipts, logs, cancelled checks) for all deductions/credits.